GEORGE TOWN: The Masjid Nabawi-inspired Al-Bukhary mosque recently opened here.
Located at Persiaran Karpal Singh, Sungai Pinang, its construction was inspired by Madinah’s Al-Masjid al-Nabawi.
The move to build Al-Bukhary mosque was mooted as the existing Surau As-Solihin located nearby could not cater to the increasing number of Muslims performing their congregational prayers especially during Maghrib and Isyak.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new mosque, built just 50 metres from the surau, was held on Feb 13, 2017.
The design of the mosque was chosen by Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas.
The mosque was fully funded by the Albukhary Foundation and following its completion it was handed over to the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP).
The construction of the massive white-themed mosque located on the 3.3 hectare land was completed before November this year. The tall white minaret of the mosque with green neon lights at the top was inspired by the design of Nabawi mosque minaret.
The mosque’s prayer hall can house up to 2,000 Muslims for congregational prayers at any one time. There are also special restrooms for special needs people, multi purpose hall and ablution area built on the 28,000 square feet floor area as well as 68 parking bays for cars and motorcycles.
The mosques also has a designated room to undertake funeral rites of deceased Muslims.
The first ever prayer at the mosque took place last Friday, two weeks after it was handed over, and has since seen locals performing their daily congregational prayers.
The Al-Masjid an-Nabawī was among the first built by prophet Muhammad. It is now one of the largest mosques in the world.